Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle revealed details of his brief exchange with Virat Kohli before questioning him about rumours of a Test comeback during the post-match presentation after the first ODI against South Africa. The veteran batter produced another match-winning performance, scoring a magnificent 135 off 120 balls with 11 fours and seven sixes.
Kohli, who was named Player of the Match POTM in India's narrow 17-run victory, earned his 44th POTM award in ODIs. Bhogle asked him about speculation regarding a potential return to red-ball cricket, but the 37-year-old promptly dismissed the idea, reiterating that he intends to focus solely on the 50-over format. Although it seemed as if Kohli was momentarily surprised by the question, Bhogle later clarified that he had checked with Kohli beforehand to ensure he was comfortable addressing it.
Kohli looked in fine touch as he brought up his 52nd ODI century, his third at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. He opened his innings with a boundary off the very first delivery, and from there appeared at his fluent best, producing a series of elegant strokes around the ground. His second boundary came via a straight drive off Nandre Burger, followed by a lofted six straight down the ground.
